Roy Wood on Singing with the Beach Boys, Living Alone, and That Christmas Song

The former Wizzard, Move, and ELO frontman also delves into his artwork and shares insights on his songs, "Blackberry Way" and "Dear Elaine," in this interview for BBC Midlands, which first aired on December 3rd, 2014.
Roy Wood's Official website: www.roywood.co.uk/
For all things Roy Wood, I'd recommend the "Cherry Blossom Clinic" page on Facebook: profile.php?...
#roywood #wizzard #themove #elo

[@richhowe7193]

I saw Roy in a pub in Uttoxeter about 25 years ago and he was a gentleman. No airs or graces, genuinely nice bloke. His girlfriend was quite fit, lovely set of pins❤

[@wicksp335]

When I was young, Blackberry Way and Fire Brigade were fabulous records. Roy is a great musician.

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

And an r.sole as a person. A pal of Farage. R.soles.

[@SilverfoxJB]

Were, still are.

[@jennydenston5680]

I'm now 71, thanks Roy for making my teenage years memorable ❤

[@steve61098]

👍 mine too!….😎

[@hindlewalker9330]

Agree l'm about to hit 70 , on the 29th Jan but for now l'm 69 , yep 69, , jeez l can't believe l'll be 70. Ah well maybe l will see if my baby can still jive.

[@johngilmore697]

Look like KingCobra jfs

[@jamesfindlay7186]

THANKS ROY IVE LIVED ON MY OWN FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS AND GO WEEKS WITHOUT SEEING ANYONE AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME YOU MADE ME FEEL BETTER THANKS ✌️

[@paulspendelow9985]

I've lived in my own 15 years now and I love it.happy Christmas to you friend 🙏🎄☃️📻

[@jamesfindlay7186]

@@paulspendelow9985 BEST WISHES AND ALL THE BEST ✌️

[@martinhowe3679]

same here lived on my own past 37 years very happy merry christmas all single dwellers

[@kithale316]

I don't live alone but as an only child I could easily as long as I have my dog I'm happy. Being alone helps you recharge your battery. People can drain your energy.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Not just you mate. I've lived on my own for nearly 20 years and I love it. I do go out, I love fishing and I usually go with friends but I'm quite happy going on my own. I'll be own at Christmas but that's by choice. I could go to relatives if I wanted to.

[@danwebb4418]

Your never alone when you play a musical instrument..

[@j.c7719]

Exactly, you actually long and need to be alone when you play a musical instrument.

[@TheMusicalElitist]

You’re*

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

Especially with my neighbours.😢😊

[@perskjelbred7099]

Thanks Roy, I too have lived alone for more than 20 yrs- love it! No conflicts! No woman no pain!!

[@philthycat1408]

Me too. Best decision I ever made. I was born enjoying my own company.

[@thewomble1509]

Sounds like Jimmy........................."No brain damage baby"

[@ffjsb]

No life either. Man isn't meant to be alone.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

No Woman No Cry.

[@1958RBS]

Such a talented man and such a nice person, too.

[@stevenkalka1064]

I've been a fan of Roy Wood for over 50 years, and I'm 73. I saw Roy Wood and Wizzard in September of 74 at a dance hall called Joint in The Woods located in Parsippany, New Jersey USA. That was a wonderful memory.

[@mrsbluesky9750]

Another musical hero along with Jeff! Such talent and so modest. Roy Wood plays the bagpipes! One word…………Respect! Happy Christmas to all ELO fans. 🥰🥰

[@CB-xr1eg]

When Roy Wood plays the bagpipes, he sure do play 'em hot... Hope you got the song reference!

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

Roy Wood is an r.sole.

[@doriskarloff964]

like grandma .... with her banjo 😉 @@CB-xr1eg

[@sollykhan2385]

The most memorable event in Radio broadcasting history was cemented by the Birmingham Group 'The Move' lead singer Roy wood's 'Flowers in the rain' on Saturday morning 30th September at 7a.m 1967, i remember setting the alarm for 6,30 am and fiddling about with an old wireless (Valve operated Radio) to tune into 247 meters in the Medium waveband.Then the countdown pip's started to sound, then Tony Blackburns voice crackled across playing the Historically momentous tune we all know now. The Happiest moment of my Young life back then, as Roy used to go to my old school ( Upper Thomas st, in Aston ) 😊

[@alexnelson9512]

I doubt if that school is still there - it is now part of the Aston Expressway, as far as I know.

[@andyhowlett2231]

Multi-talented, quiet and modest, what a guy. I've always liked his stuff from The Move onward, and Blackberry Way is still one of my favourites.

[@juanbbien]

I met Roy when he was with the Move in 1968,ish playing at the Cavendish night club in Blackburn, he took some timeout to show me how to play Fire brigade I really nice chap the memory of it has always stayed with me.

[@gudlisner501]

A man after my own heart. I often go from one end of the week to the other without meeting or chatting with anybody.

[@user-or4hs7xq9u]

Most people would be terrified at the prospect of not having a partner, I don't can't be bothered with the hassle.

[@BobMartinsback]

Underrated and underappreciated in modern times, just an astonishing talent. 'Whisper in the Night' still makes the back of my neck tingle after all these years.

[@paulwelch4373]

Roy wished my daughter Happy Christmas in a local shop. She was tempted to say “ I wish it could be Christmas every day” to him but thought would woukd be too cheesy so didn’t.

[@user-rs6gl5lx6f]

I'm 71 now and remember Roy Wood, The Move and ELO. Great memories. 👍👍😁

[@andywells397]

I know how he feels but after 15 yrs of being on my own I found a lady that stimulates my whole being. I think if Roy found someone his creative productivity and genius would rise by 100 PC.

[@sarahwelty9223]

I love Roy Wood and the Move. I was born in the seventies so they were a bit before my time but I used to teach science at a school in Birmingham and Roy visited the school just before Christmas in 2018. Anyway I wasn't in school on that particular day and I was totally heartbroken that I missed the chance to meet him!💔 I'm in awe that the Beach Boys covered Fire Brigade because I love them too! This is amazing thanks for sharing it with us x👍🙂

[@markorollo.]

Totally get the being alone thing, I can go for hours without seeing anyone even when they're in the same house!. Time spent in your own space is a good thing

[@garygrimmett7945]

I was his postie for awhile..in the late 80s. Nice fella...one of the best Xmas songs..it was brilliant as a kid then 😊gazzz

[@tombrehony6277]

An Absolute Genius, It's a shame Jeff lynne doesn't double up with him on vocals for his live performances. .? Roy still has a Great Rock and Roll voice.

[@Zoro007]

Saw him live supporting Status Quo and he was brilliant!!!!!

[@blackjockofmangertonpele]

Brilliant! I will never forget when you (Roy) joined our pub quiz team one week in the late 90s at The Crown in Four Oaks before you moved to (near) Ashbourne 🎉😂😂

[@normancotterill7849]

I remember Roy in the Crown It was my local in those days👏👏🤗

[@robertblackburn752]

Top geezer Roy Wood, looking great mate,stay forever young! I’ve Lived on my own since turn of the century and never once felt lonely. Be yourself, no compromising, no stress just total freedom.

[@AB-nw5un]

How great to see something so recent about my hero Roy Wood. Thanks for posting this guys ❤

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

Roy Wood is an r.sole.

[@grantross2609]

who else thought time had stood still when a lively Roy opened that door tho ?

[@alanoneill3065]

Flowers in the Rain....the FIRST song played on Radio 1! I heard it

[@charlesrae3793]

Not only an accomplished musician, but one of rock's true gentlemen. Oh, and he is 77 !

[@jimmcintosh9045]

I remember playing "I can hear the grass grow" on my old record player with it's Deram label.

[@alancolclough4347]

Went to see Roy's Christmas show at Buxton few years back, went in the pub near theatre ,and the only, table empty was next to Roy and his band . Graciously asked him to sign our tickets ,he asked if we wanted photos with him and then chatted for a few moments before leaving for the theatre. Lovely guy ,so humble ,thanks for making my night.I would not let the ticket checker rip my ticket upon going in !

[@PontiacS.]

"Blackberry Way"is one of the Best British Rawk songs ever. Glad to hear Roy is like me. Lives alone and don't see or speak to anyone for many days at a time. Roy is one of my Faves.

[@toolscarriagesmodellbauand7246]

He's a great musician. I love him ever since I heard his songs in the 60th. Best wishes from Germany

[@acw7120]

Love Roy! The Original True Wizard! Impossible to hear or see Roy without thinking of Jeff...like birds of a feather, the memory sticks together.

[@MrJohnnyseven]

Roy Wood an amazing talent

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Living alone is a precious gift, that I didn’t discover until later in life. When you know you know. I’d never go back.

[@user-ed6nv6ep8h]

True.Married 37 years.With hindsight ,of course,would have never married,remained single

[@vincenthewlett4329]

The great Roy Wood , loved the Move Loved Wizzard , all his solo music the standout song for me is " Forever " stunning song.......this man should have received a contribution award long ago but the Brit Awards are crap , and IMO he should have been Knighted long ago........keep doing your thing Roy

[@MrRusshawkins]

Thank you Roy.I have always maintained that 'see my baby jive' is the best pop song ever written. You have my ultimate respect and gratitude.

[@tobytwirl04]

Roy?..LEGEND! I compered the show in around 1968 at the Plymouth Guildhall with The Move, (Roy/Carl and Bev...They BLEW the roof off!! BRILLIANT! Thank you fellas...

[@davidclark7233]

Saw him perform several years ago,a very talented man.

[@timhorne425]

What a legend. He brings back the memories of the 70s.

[@wk5726]

Thanx, Roy, you were my hero in the 60's , since 1967, with The Move, Wizzard, ELO, and your Solo Work.I'm very glad to see, you're still alive and well. I wish your the best of luck, long may you run!❤❤❤ walter, Germany, Nuremberg

[@StephenMay-hn3fn]

Happy Christmas woody you will always be a genius my 56th year of being a fan. Xmas is climbing the charts now best Christmas single ever a brilliant film well done

[@michael5089]

Lovely comment Stephen❤👍🤘🎸

[@davehooper5115]

The legendary Roy Wood, amazing

[@juliemcmeekin2095]

great man and was very pleasant i like his music and can remember tony blackburn that morning playing flowers in the rain my favourite is fire brigade

[@R3RLEE]

Great guy, came to my club some years ago..2004 l think it was. Lovely guy!

[@1234567marks]

I met Roy on a few occasions by chance in pubs around the Derby and Ashbourne area, and Tesco’s for that matter 😂, I have to say you could not wish to meet a nicer more down to earth guy, keep the music coming Roy 👍

[@michaelclarke3860]

I have to agree with many others Roy, so a big thank you for all the good memories your music has given me

[@andrewlloyd4702]

Riy I've loved your music so much, I'm 65 now and I still have goosebumps listening to the hits. Thanks for the music, thanks for the memories, hod bless, take care, very best wishes to you, from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🤗♥️👏👏👏👏♥️♥️♥️🤗🤗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Alan-gx8gf]

I am 64 and still remember his fantastic voice , and those tunes eg " Angel Fingers " , I remember singing them in the Secondary School Playground , Happy New Year Roy . 🤩

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

The man is a legend!

[@fs.pureblood]

Always liked every band Roy was in. His solo work is great too.

[@steve61098]

Would love to meet Roy and shake his hand and thank him personally for writing the great Wizzard hits that became the soundtrack to my early teenage years…his solo hits were brilliant too, combine this with the fact he can play virtually every instrument is why I am a mega fan…He deserves a lot more recognition than he gets..😎

[@WinChun78]

He still looks the same as he did around 1990. So many rock stars seem to stay looking young... Always seemed a really nice guy.

[@paperchain1239]

I can remember dancing with a blow up Father Christmas in 1973 to IWICBCE. I shall NEVER forget that happiness. Aged 10 years. Another world now, but still is vets here God bless you , always a friend here if you want to communicate.

[@terrybowler7215]

His hit songs are too numerous to mention, this multi talented genius, move , elo , wizard. The guys a rock legend

[@alecjefferson6993]

Brilliant so nice to hear the history from the man that did it. Roy 🎄🎅

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

He's 77... Not 67... Could pass for 60... Must be doing what you love keeps him young.

[@michael5089]

Video is 2014

[@markfitzpatrick9021]

Lovely lovely man no side to him. Loves to meet people and talk politics, I first met him whilst I was playing in local band destiny . Rock on Roy.....mark Fitzpatrick bass player

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Rock on Roy. Well done ⭐

[@less-stress.london4531]

What a great guy., composer and musician..

[@RoofLight00]

Apart from the Xmas song we all know, Roy is a musical genius and wrote some amazing songs. The first Move album is a bona fide classic and really under rated. ❤

[@larrysimon1]

True Musical Genius !

[@jeffacourt5120]

Musical genius and a lovely person.

[@Glamrock01]

The man the myth the legend that is....

[@SPHau]

Big fan and Angel Fingers , Oh What A Shame and Forever are just some of my favourites

[@MyGrowthRings]

I know this report is 10 years old, but man, I would love to hear this album of covers! Great interview.

[@ladyrotha5420]

God bless him! 🧙‍♂💖

[@CB-xr1eg]

There are books about The Beatles' song lyrics that explain the meaning and inspiration behind the songs. Roy should do the same thing. I'd definitely buy it.

[@SuperNevile]

Yes, just for it to explain the "Curly" lyric "In a way I feel so bad that she let he be made a fool", which mangled my delicate mind in the 60s.

[@zorbanongreco]

It'd sell about 5 copies.

[@Lasse_Viklund]

One of my early heroes!

[@RichardLaurence]

I saw Roy Wood and Wizard at Leicester Uni - a great gig!

[@grahamjordan1040]

Intelligent and a musical genius

[@matthall143]

Roy's Boulders Album was my very first......I played it til it wore out.....!!!

[@robertBuckinghamB-uh5nx]

My memory of Roy was Christmas Eve 1974 in a hi-fi store I worked in he came in wanting a couple portable TVs we only had one of them at an other store quite a way from our store but he agreed to go and pick up he must have walked there because it being Christmas Eve taxi s being few and far apart while he stood in our store he signed numerous autographs for staff and members of the public and he payed for the said TV without actually having it in his hands he is a Gentleman that memory will stay for me for ever God bless you Roy♥️♥️🙏🙏

[@HRHooChicken]

I wonder why he doesn’t get as much publicity as the other Christmas guys. Noddy holder seems to get interviewed every day of every december

[@CB-xr1eg]

I suspect it's by choice as he's a bit of a loner.

[@HRHooChicken]

@@CB-xr1eg indeed. I just watched his interview on GB news and he doesn’t interview very well

[@king77703]

Probably not part of the "Club"

[@BigSky1]

With all due respect to Roy. He was not nearly as successful as Slade. The Move and Wizard were great bands but did not sell records consistently enough like Slade.

[@billsmith8606]

He did short interlude on one of his albums that featured, I swear the Beach Boys and bagpipes, it was one of the most remarkable things I've ever heard.

[@theladykillers1966]

Big hello from the Ladykillers Birmingham England.

[@glenysebenezer2780]

Wow so good to see you I'm 72 now and I fell in love at 21 with you at one of your concerts your a legend your a one of x

[@markhayes6211]

Roy Wood Legend.

[@johncotterill3949]

Living on my own it’s hard but hearing Roy’s story I’m not on my own

[@kevinbeck6785]

Thanks Roy, so many memories growing up with your music, you are SIR a REAL LEGEND

[@sandraharding2624]

I find it hard to know that Roy is virtually a recluse. He's so outgoing with his music you'd think he'd be out with his mates. The sketch he drew of his daughter, was brilliant. He's so clever and really easy to talk to, he has such a posh voice. I've loved his music since I first heard him in The Move and I followed him ever since. This legend that is Mr. Roy Wood should be Knighted for all that he's done for the Music Industry. Wizzard came on the jukebox in the pub one night. I was pregnant and someone had put " See My Baby Jive " on. My Baby kicked me for the first time. I didn't know what was happening it was my first baby and I was going to become a single mother. My son will be 51 later this year, he laughed hysterically when I told him this story. Ok yes I was pregnant, in a pub, but I was drinking MILK. I couldn't drink anything else I had very bad sickness 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@budyza180]

Nothing wrong with living on your own. It's pure bliss. I've been living solo since 1997. Love it. Never bored. And being alone does not equate to being lonely. Doesn't mean I don't socialize either. It's just that when I do, it's when I want to and with who I want to. When I do it's genuine and meaningful. No fake or shallow stuff because you're expected to do things at certain times, or on various occasions with prescribed people and everyone pretends it's what they want to do. And I never have to deal with manipulative, selfish or nasty people. Ever. My favourite Roy Wood song is _See My Baby Jive!_ 1973 if a remember correctly. What a rollicking rocker! All the best to you, Roy! And, thank you.

[@user-ru8nw7ks5d]

Roy won’t remember this but he bought me a pint of lager in the Packhorse pub innShard End after I saw him sitting in his white Corvette Stingray ( I think his sister lived close by) I ran home got my copy of Boulders which he then signed. He then took me to the pub. Cross ghe road and bought me a pint. I think I was 16! Top bloke! 🍺🍺🍺

[@roycarder6179]

He’s looking good …aged really well

[@catmanbill9352]

loved the move, when I was a kid, Brontasaurus, and California man etc etc love him.......

[@thelatepetercook]

Love that gent.

[@user-eg6fz8mt4q]

Roy Wood’s Wizzo Band were exceptional

[@eugenefarrell1002]

Roy your looking Great thank you for all the Great and Wonderful Memories.

[@poc329]

Legend.

[@nicholasdavies6264]

His single “ Forever “ was superb. This guy has been there, done it, and carries on still producing great music. Birmingham produced some real musical talent 👍

[@kenoneill8783]

Led Zeppelin, Jeff Lynne, Duran Duran...

[@steve61098]

Yeah - ‘Forever’ is a fantastic song….🎶😎

[@akink9620]

Blackberry Way is the best break-up song ever

[@karenbaker7168]

Of course he is 77 not 67. A true inspiration.

[@guellrich]

Thanks again Tony! Now, does anyone know what became of Roy Wood's American Jukebox?

[@terencebarrett2897]

Thanks Roy and like others on my own(bleeding happier),I was youngest son,of 4 mm( man of the house)realise I was carer support from age 11 " got stupidly married age 25" divorced 12 years later.(look closely at before you buy( remember story of tree in bible)no matter how you' bend,or twist and forgive" they have you in there grasp,and my only daughter was used against me and the rat ruined her life" immediately after divorce my mother needed me full time care for her now an old woman age 69(strokes etc) she died age(92) ,I lost my ailing sister( cancer) brother ( strokes),"simultaneously we both had strokes ,he died " but I had to carry on caring, as old mother needed me ,in that time the ex wife who I'd forgiving numerous times led me" us" a dogs life,,what I'm trying to say is the love of music since childhood brought me to a place of happiness, religion, God the bible , I live on my own and music,Roy Wood, Madonna etc,etc fills your heart with happiness,,but people I warn you,they well everyone as a different personality, character ,I say look closely at the tree before you engage,marry that branch, yes oh oh but she he makes you smile,mm " the tree of life is in all life,

[@joereedsmith1531]

I have no idea who this man is or how I got here but I am convinced I met him in Birmingham in the early 90s

[@davidmacgregor5193]

This must have been recorded ten years ago, it say's Woody is 67, he turned 77 on 8th November 2023. Woody bought the former Howard Arms in 1997, he still lives there to this day. Incidentally the ex-England goalkeeper, Gordon Banks lost an eye in a car accident on the road junction outside the Howard Arms.

[@kenoneill8783]

The best goal keeper in the world couldn't save his eye.

[@kenoneill8783]

It's an error, this was posted just a couple of weeks ago, poor research and incompetence, no excuse for it.

[@RcNerd]

Roy is the man. I'm the same been on my own 20 years. The only women I see is my lovely mom.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

This man is so under-rated.

[@robertomoi2044]

No he really isn't.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

@@robertomoi2044 He wrote and performed a string of top-ten hits on a par with acts like Slade, T Rex and Hot Chocolate. Yet they are mentioned far more often than Roy Wood. There's sufficient argument to back up my claim.

[@robertomoi2044]

@edwardmclaughlin7935 no there really isn't.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

@@robertomoi2044 In your unsubstantiated opinion.

[@robertomoi2044]

@edwardmclaughlin7935 There is no substantive evidence for the efficacy of your comment. Your comment alone is ridiculously overrated , so much so that's its becoming common place for people to use it needlessly and ridiculously just because they think it garners some kind of credulity. Incidentally, it doesn't.

[@ducatiboy6668]

Music i grew up with Roy is a gentleman and a brilliant musician.

[@MarlynMeehan]

Love Roy Wood. Angel Fingers, Ball Park Incident, See My Baby Jive are my happy memories. There are a lot of artistically talented people who are quite reclusive or if they do have family members in the home just shut themselves away to work but it doesn't necessarily mean they are unhappy.